E-fits of the three suspects police are trying to trace in connection with the abduction and attempted murder of a kneecapping victim (Image: Police Scotland)

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Detectives investigating the horror abduction and kneecapping in East Kilbride earlier this year have released e-fits of the suspects and images of vehicles in an attempt to snare the ‘snatch squad’.

The hunt continues for three Scottish men who are thought to have snatched a 45-year-old Scotstoun man at his home in England in what police are calling a “targeted attack”.

The victim, who reportedly owed cash to drug barons after stealing a consignment of cocaine, is understood to have been tortured during a 235 mile drive north to East Kilbride where he was shot and dumped in a white forensic suit in full view of locals near to Morrisons supermarket in Stewartfield on March 13.

The man, who may never walk unaided again, has now been released from hospital and is under police protection.

After releasing e-fits of the three suspects in a nationwide appeal for information last week, detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams are released a CCTV image of a transit van which may have been involved in the abduction of the victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Boyd, who is leading Operation Draken, said: “We have issued a CCTV image of the van and we believe that at the time this was taken, the victim was in the back, being subjected to sustained attacks and violence by his captors, before being driven to East Kilbride and shot in the middle of a residential area in broad daylight.

“To reiterate, we do believe that this attack was targeted and was not a random assault. It is imperative we trace those responsible and I would again ask for the help from the public.”

This silver Ford Transit van is belived to be the vehicle used to kidnap the kneecapping victim (Image: Police Scotland)

They also released images of the victim’s BMW estate car, which was taken from his home in Dodsworth, Barnsley when he was abducted on March 11.

DCI Boyd added: “From our enquiries, we understand that the vehicle which is believed to have been involved is a silver Ford Transit van, with the registration plate: SP61 LJK. This vehicle is believed to have transported the victim from his home in Barnsley where he was abducted and then left in Stewartfield, East Kilbride.

“In addition, I believe the victim’s car was taken from his home in Dodsworth by the people involved in the abduction. This car has never been found. It is quite distinctive and my team of officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle around this time or at any point since the incident.

The victim's black BMW estate car (Image: Police Scotland)

“It is a black BMW 3 series estate, with a distinctive red leather interior. This is quite unusual and may have attracted attention from the public locally or by anyone involved in the automobile industry.

“As a priority, I need help from the public to trace both vehicles and would ask anyone who recognises the descriptions or the registration to get in touch. Someone may have seen the van on its journey from Barnsley to East Kilbride and I’d urge them to come forward as soon as possible.”